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park.”
    â€œYeah, I know about that. Australia has a few bases there.”
    â€œYes, but did you know that because of the treaty’s prohibition against mineral exploration, the extent of Antarctica’s mineral wealth is still unknown? It’s a big blank slate.”
    Khalid allowed that to sink in before continuing. “Well, the treaty ended in 1991. The continent is now open for mineral exploration, but with one critical stipulation: The land must be protected from damage.”
    It dawned on Ashley. The implications were enormous. “These subterranean tunnels will allow you to explore the continent’s mineral wealth without harm to the surface.”
    â€œYes,” he said, nodding. “And any deposits—oil, minerals, precious stones—discovered are the property of the government who finds them.”
    â€œWith the U.S. government’s lust for future territorial claims,” she said, “it’s no wonder the National Science Foundation has been so generous with their funding. But who exactly are we in bed with here?”
    â€œI imagine it’s a combination of science, commerce, and politics,” Khalid answered—and then with a grin, “I suppose much like your government’s Manhattan Project.”
    Ashley scowled. “Great. And look how wonderful that turned out.”
    â€œSo what do you think the likelihood of a significant find is?” Linda asked, drawing the Egyptian’s attention.
    â€œConsidering that a researcher discovered Mount Erebus’s volcanic plume emits gold dust—the only plume to do so on the planet—I think this research team’s salary will be more than adequately covered.”
    â€œGold in volcano smoke,” Ben said. “Sounds pretty far-fetched.”
    Khalid scowled briefly at the interruption. “It’s been widely written up.”
    The other team members remained silent. Dumbstruck.
    Ashley bristled. Once again Blakely had failed to reveal the full extent of this mission. First the armed escort, and now this. “I don’t know if I like this,” she said. “Raping a continent. And for whose benefit?”
    Linda nodded in agreement.
    Everyone sat quietly, pondering the sobering news.
    Then Ben, in a sudden outburst, destroyed the somber reverie. “To hell with it. Let’s go dancing! It’s the flipping birthplace of the tango. C’mon, Buenos Aires is just waking up.”
    Ashley frowned. This Australian sheepherder never stops, she thought. “I’ll pass. I have a son to tuck into bed.”
    Khalid also shook his head. “We don’t dance the tango in my country.”
    Linda brightened. “I’ll go. I’d like to get out of this stuffy hotel.”
    â€œSuperb!” Ben said. “I know of a bar in the San Telmo district. Quaint and authentic.”
    Ben scooted out of the booth and gave Linda his hand. “The night and the stars await us,” he declared with a slight bow.
    Bashfully, Linda smiled at Ben’s drama.
    As the two walked away, Ashley noticed Khalid’s brows lower. He mumbled something in Arabic, then said his good-byes to her and slipped from the table also.
    She watched as Ben escorted Linda across the bar. A small burst of her tinkling laughter could be heard as the two exited onto the street.
    Ashley remained, nursing the rest of her drink. As if on cue, the plangent chords of a tango began wailing from the bar’s speakers. The sultry music just made her feel that much lonelier.

BOOK TWO

Under the Ice

FIVE
    I N A PLANE AGAIN , A SHLEY THOUGHT SOURLY, HER NOSE pressed to the window. Down below, glacier fought granite from horizon to horizon.
    This was the final leg of the two-day journey. Yesterday, they had flown the eight hundred miles from Buenos Aires to Esperanza, the Argentine army base on the tip of an Antarctic Peninsula. There, Ashley had her first taste of Antarctic air—like